CHICAGO– One of the longest running and most important Black film festivals is right here in Chicago, as the 25th edition of the Black Harvest Film Festival has Opening Night on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, and runs through Thursday, August 29th, at the Gene Siskel Film Center in the downtown Loop. For Opening Night details and ticket information, click here.
The Opening Night festivities include the world premiere of five new short films … “love tap” (directed by Gian Smith), “Growing Pains” (Derek Dow), “Play Day” (Daniel Williams), “Sex is a God Thing” (Zarinah Ali) and “Chicago Guy” (Sharari Moore). Hosting the Opening Night ceremonies is LeAnn Trotter of Chicago’s NBC5, and a reception will follow at the Joffrey Tower nearby.
25th Black Harvest Film Festival, August 3rd-29th, 2019
Photo credit: SiskelFilmCenter.org
Celebrating its 25th edition, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Midwest’s largest and longest-running Black film festival, and the Gene Siskel Film Center’s most vibrant annual showcase featuring provocative films that celebrate the stories, dreams, history, and legacy of African Americans and the African diaspora. The Festival features Chicago premieres, filmmaker appearances, panel discussions, and special events. A combined total of over 50 features, documentaries, and shorts will be screened, including a number connected to Chicago, affirming the city’s role as a vital center for independent filmmaking. Black Harvest supports the Gene Siskel Film Center’s ongoing mission to present inclusive and insightful programming.
 | By PATRICK McDONALD |